Maoists devised air defence tactics in 2004

Feb 3, 2013, 02.40AM ISTTNN[ Rakhi Chakrabarty ]

Maoists claim to have devised their defensive and offensive mechanism against aerial attacks.

NEW DELHI: Security forces are rattled after an Indian Air Force helicopter crash landed at Timilwada in south Chhattisgarh after it was hit by 19 bullets fired by Maoists about two weeks ago. Six IAF men left behind an injured Chhattisgarh policeman and a light machine gun in the helicopter and ran for safety. Maoists though have been preparing to counter aerial attack, if launched by the government, since 2003-04.

The Maoists (then People's War) planned an air sentry system to watch and inform of aerial attacks in advance.

Top Maoist military commission members had prepared a detailed note anticipating attacks from the skies against its guerrilla army by the government, characteristically referred to as "enemy" in the documents. The note shows Maoists accessed or trained in war strategy and field tactics of regular defence forces.

"To face and counter such risks/ dangers, we have to be prepared with rifles, semi-auto weapons and LMGs available with us," said the note meant to train armed guerrilla cadres.

Maoists claim to have devised their defensive and offensive mechanism against aerial attacks by observing security forces referred to as "forces of the exploiting classes" in the documents.

The Maoists believe "concealment" is the best protection against attack by security forces. "It's not easy either for ordinary or surveillance helicopters to locate our places. Though enemy could find us using binoculars, it is not possible for them to attack us if we are well concealed," the note said.

Guerrilla cadres have been advised to camouflage their kit, equipment and tents they pitch for shelter. They have been warned against movement during the day unless absolutely necessary. "We have to stand still while the enemy's planes/ helicopters fly overhead," the note said.

Guerrilla cadres were instructed to find safe shelters in the hillside, valleys or dig trenches.

The guerrilla army (PLGA) were also directed to hit and damage helicopters and planes of security forces. "Guerrillas can use rifles and semi or automatic weapons while facing enemy's helicopters/ planes within the limits of a platoon. A (Maoist) section commander should head the action," the note said.

With the help of diagrams, Maoist military leaders devised strategy to hit helicopters. "To attack a low flying, slow moving helicopter/ plane, aim at a distance of 50m (half a football ground) ahead of the plane," the note said, adding, "Continuous firing at a definite length in the front of the helicopter will ensure at least a few rounds hit sensitive parts like its fuel tank."

The training of cadres seems to have worked. At Timilwada, Maoists managed to pierce the fuel tank of the IAF helicopter forcing it to crash land.